Novak Djokovic heads into the US Open semi-finals as the overwhelming favourite to go on and lift a third title in New York, but Kei Nishikori, Stan Wawrinka and Gael Monfils are potential road blocks.
World No 1 Djokovic takes a 12-0 career lead over Monfils into their semi-final on Friday night, while Nishikori looks to build on his shock five-set win over Andy Murray against Wawrinka.
Swiss third seed Wawrinka, playing in his third semi-final in four years, ended Juan Martin del Potro’s magical run in the early hours of Thursday morning with a four-set win.
Djokovic, chasing a third major title of the season and 13th overall, remains wary of the dangers posed by 30-year-old Monfils who is in only his second grand slam semi-final.
“Gael’s one of the few players that I will definitely pay a ticket to watch,” Djokovic said.
“He seems more focused at this time of his career and I am definitely expecting a tough battle.”
Monfils, seeded No 10, has lost twice to Djokovic in New York — in five sets in the first round in 2005 and a straight sets defeat in the 2010 quarter-finals.
Men’s Semi-finals order of play
Arthur Ashe Stadium, Flushing, New York
• 1 Novak Djokovic v 10 Gael Monfils, 11pm Friday
• 3 Stan Wawrinka v 6 Kei Nishikori, following previous match not before 12.30am Saturday
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